Device for inhalation-synchronized dispensing of a fluid product

ABSTRACT

An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device having a body ( 10 ) with a mouthpiece ( 400 ), a reservoir ( 100 ), a valve ( 200 ) assembled by a fastener element ( 5 ) on the reservoir ( 100 ). The device includes a blocking element ( 500 ) that pivots about a pivot axis B between a blocking position and an actuation position; a trigger element ( 600 ) that pivots about a pivot axis C; and an inhalation-controlled trigger system. The device includes an actuator member ( 800 ) mounted to move axially between a rest position and a primed position. A spring ( 850 ) is arranged so that when the actuator member ( 800 ) moves towards its primed position, the spring ( 850 ) is compressed, so as to transmit an axial force (F) to the reservoir ( 100 ).

The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser device in whichdispensing is synchronized with inhaling, and more particularly itrelates to an inhaler device of the aerosol type synchronized withinhaling.

Breath actuated inhaler (BAI) devices are well known in the state of theart. The main advantage of this type of device is that the dispensing offluid is synchronized with the patient inhaling, so as to guarantee thatthe fluid is properly dispensed into the airways. Thus, in the field ofaerosol devices, i.e. devices in which the fluid is dispensed by meansof a propellant gas, numerous types of breath actuated inhaler devicehave been proposed. However, those devices present the drawback ofincluding a large number of parts, i.e. they are complicated and costlyto manufacture and to assemble, which is obviously disadvantageous. Itis also difficult to find the right balance between reliable triggeringon each inhalation, without the actuation threshold being too high, anda latch that is robust enough to prevent accidental of unwantedactuation. Unfortunately, when the latch releases accidentally, thedevice is actuated automatically and the dose is dispensed, even whenthe user does not want it.

Documents WO 2004/028608, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,456,646, 5,119,806, WO2017/176704, NZ 562 769, US 2008/156321, WO 2008/070516, WO 2010/003846,and WO 2013/178951 describe prior-art devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that does not have theabove-mentioned drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that improves operationalreliability by guaranteeing effective actuation on each inhalation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that minimizes the risksof accidental or unwanted actuation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that does not present anactuation threshold that is too high, thereby making it possible forpeople who are relatively weak, such as the sick or the elderly, to usethe device in safe and reliable manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that is simple andinexpensive to manufacture and to assemble.

Another object of the present invention is to provide aninhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device that avoids the risks ofthe valve malfunctioning as a result of the valve chamber not fillingproperly after actuation.

The present invention thus provides an inhalation-synchronized fluiddispenser device comprising a body provided with a mouthpiece, a fluidreservoir containing a fluid and a propellant gas being mounted to slideaxially relative to said body, a metering valve including a valve memberbeing assembled by means of a fastener element, such as a crimping cap,on said reservoir for selectively dispensing the fluid, said devicefurther comprising:

-   -   a blocking element that pivots about a pivot axis B between a        blocking position in which said metering valve cannot be        actuated, and an actuation position in which said metering valve        can be actuated;    -   a trigger element that pivots about a pivot axis C between a        locking position in which it blocks said blocking element in its        blocking position, and a release position in which it does not        block said blocking element; and    -   an inhalation-controlled trigger system including an        inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable        under the effect of inhaling, said inhalation-sensitive member        co-operating with said trigger element, so that when said        inhalation-sensitive member is deformed and/or moved, it moves        and/or deforms said trigger element towards its release        position, thereby making it possible to move and/or deform said        blocking element from its blocking position towards its        actuation position;    -   said device comprising an actuator member that is mounted to        move axially, in particular in sliding, in said body between a        rest position and a primed position, a spring being arranged        between said actuator member and said reservoir or an element        that is secured to said reservoir, so that when said actuator        member moves towards its primed position, said spring is        compressed, so as to transmit an axial force F to said        reservoir, said axial force F extending along an axis Y that is        perpendicular to said pivot axis B of said blocking element,        said axis Y being spaced apart from said pivot axis B by a        distance d that is not zero, said distance d being less than 2.5        millimeters (mm), advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably        about 0.4 mm.

Advantageously, a ring is fastened, in particular snap-fastened, aroundsaid fastener element, said ring including an axial projection thatco-operates with said blocking element, such that in the blockingposition of said blocking element, said axial projection of said ringco-operates with an axial blocking extension of said blocking element,thereby preventing said reservoir from moving axially, and in theactuation position of said blocking element, said axial projection ofsaid ring co-operates with an axial recess of said blocking element,thereby enabling said reservoir to move axially.

Advantageously, in the blocking position of said blocking element, saidaxial projection of said ring urges said blocking element towards itsactuation position.

Advantageously, said hoop is engaged around said ring.

Advantageously, said blocking element includes a locking projectionthat, in the locking position of the trigger element, co-operates with alocking shoulder of said trigger element so as to define a latch thatprevents said blocking element from moving and/or deforming out of itsblocking position.

Advantageously, in the blocking position, the force F′ exerted by saidlocking projection of said blocking element on said locking shoulder ofsaid trigger element extends along an axis Z that is perpendicular tosaid pivot axis C of said trigger element.

Advantageously, said axis Z is spaced apart from said pivot axis C by adistance d′ that is not zero, said distance d′ being less than 2 mm,advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm.

Advantageously, in the locking position of the trigger element, saidlatch forms a first contact point between said blocking element and saidtrigger element, said blocking element including a bearing projectionthat, in the locking position of the trigger element, co-operates with abearing surface of said trigger element so as to form, in the lockingposition of the trigger element, a second contact point between saidblocking element and said trigger element, said second contact pointbeing, in the locking position of the trigger element, at a distancefrom said axis C of the trigger element that is greater than thedistance between said axis C and said first contact point.

Advantageously, a laterally-actuated pusher is mounted to move inpivoting and in translation on said body between a rest position and aworking position, movement of said laterally-actuated pusher towards itsworking position moving said actuator member axially towards its primedposition.

Advantageously, said laterally-actuated pusher includes a first bearingzone P1 for bearing against said actuator member, and a second bearingzone P2 for bearing against the body.

Advantageously, said first bearing zone P1 is a pivot point, and saidsecond bearing zone P2 is a surface for radial sliding.

Advantageously, said device includes a blocking member that is movableand/or deformable between a blocking position and a non-blockingposition, said blocking member, in its blocking position, co-operatingwith said trigger element so as to prevent it from moving towards itsrelease position, said laterally-actuated pusher including a projectionthat co-operates with said blocking member when said laterally-actuatedpusher is moved towards its working position, so as to move and/ordeform said blocking member towards its non-blocking position.

Advantageously, said inhalation-sensitive member includes a deformablemembrane that defines a deformable air chamber, said deformable membranebeing fastened to said trigger element, said deformable membrane beingdeformed during inhaling, so that it moves said trigger element from itslocking position towards its release position.

Advantageously, said mouthpiece includes an opening that is connected tothe inside of the body, said opening being closed at the start ofinhaling by a check valve, such that the inhalation flow due to inhalinginitially passes mainly to the trigger system.

Advantageously, said check valve is opened when said ring moves axiallytogether with said reservoir.

These and other characteristics and advantages appear more clearly fromthe following detailed description, given by way of non-limitingexample, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective view of afluid dispenser device, in an advantageous embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of theFIG. 1 device, shown after assembly and in its rest position;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic section view of another portion of the FIG. 1device, shown after assembly and in its rest position;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away diagrammatic perspective view of the FIG. 1 device,shown after assembly and in its rest position;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 4, shown after the actuatorpusher has been actuated;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic section view of the FIG. 1 device, shown in itsrest position;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 6, shown after the actuatorpusher has been actuated and before inhalation;

FIG. 8 is a larger-scale diagrammatic view of a detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the ring;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the trigger element;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blocking element;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 7, shown at the start ofinhalation;

FIG. 13 is a larger-scale diagrammatic view of a detail of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14 to 17 are views similar to the view in FIG. 13, shown atvarious stages of an actuation cycle;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view in section of theFIG. 1 device, shown in its rest position;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary front view in section of theFIG. 1 device, shown in its rest position;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 18, shown after actuation;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to the view in FIG. 11, shown after actuation;and

FIGS. 22 to 24 are diagrammatic and fragmentary section views of theFIG. 1 device, shown respectively in its rest position, duringactuation, and during return towards its rest position.

In the description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upwards”, and“downwards” refer to the position of the device as shown in particularin FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 to 24. The terms “axial” and “radial”, exceptwhen specified in some other way, are relative to the vertical centralaxis A of the valve shown in FIG. 6. The terms “proximal” and “distal”are relative to the mouthpiece.

The invention applies more particularly to inhaler devices of theaerosol-valve type for oral dispensing, as described in greater detailbelow, but it could also apply to other types of inhaler device, e.g. ofthe nasal type.

The figures show advantageous embodiments of the invention, butnaturally one or more of the component parts described below could bemade in some other way, while providing functions that are similar oridentical.

With reference to the drawings, the device includes a body 10 providedwith a mouthpiece 400.

The body 10 may be made as a single piece or out of a plurality of partsthat are assembled together. In the non-limiting examples shown, thebody 10 comprises three portions, a central portion 10′, a bottomportion 10″, and a top portion 10′″. In the description below, the bodyis designated, in overall manner, by the numerical reference 10.

The mouthpiece 400 defines a dispenser orifice through which the userinhales while the device is being used. The mouthpiece 400 may be madeintegrally with the body 10. In the embodiments shown in the drawings,it is formed on the bottom body portion 10″. A removable protective cap(not shown) may be provided on said mouthpiece 400, in particular whileit is being stored, that the user removes before use.

The body 10 contains a reservoir 100 that contains the fluid to bedispensed and a propellant gas, such as a gas of the hydrofluoroalkane(HFA) type, a metering valve 200 being mounted on said reservoir 100 forselectively dispensing the fluid. The metering valve 200 comprises avalve body, and a valve member 210 that, during actuation, is axiallymovable relative to said valve body, and thus relative to said reservoir100. The metering valve 200 can be of any appropriate type. It isfastened to the reservoir 100 via a fastener element 5, preferably acrimped cap, preferably with a neck gasket interposed therebetween.

Advantageously, during actuation, the valve member 210 is stationaryrelative to the body 10, and it is the reservoir 100 that is movedaxially relative to the body 10 between a distal position, which is therest position, and a proximal position, which is the actuation position.

The outlet orifice of the valve member 210 of said metering valve 200 isconnected via a channel to said mouthpiece 400 through which the userinhales the fluid to be dispensed. In known manner, said valve member210 is received in a valve well 700 that defines said channel, at leastin part.

The device includes a ring 900 that is advantageously fastened aroundsaid fastener element 5, e.g. by snap-fastening by means ofsnap-fastener tabs 905. Advantageously, a hoop 950 is engaged aroundsaid ring 900, so as to hold said snap-fastener tabs 905 in theirsnap-fastened position. The ring 900 includes an axial projection 901having a function that is described below.

An actuator member 800 is advantageously assembled around the reservoir100. The actuator member 800 includes a hollow sleeve 801 that isarranged in the body 10 around the reservoir 100, with a spring 850arranged between the bottom of said hollow sleeve 801 and the reservoir100 or an element that is secured to said reservoir 100, such as thering 900 or the hoop 950. The hollow sleeve 801 is axially movable, inparticular in sliding, relative to said reservoir 100 between a restposition and a primed position. Thus, when the user wishes to actuatethe metering valve 200, the user presses on said actuator member 800.This moves said hollow sleeve 801 axially towards its primed positionand thus compresses said spring 850, which thus transmits an axial forceF to said reservoir 100, in particular via said hoop 950, in theembodiment shown. The axial force F is substantially the same on eachactuation. While the user continues to press on said actuator member800, said spring 850 is compressed and drives said reservoir 100 axiallytowards its actuated position.

A laterally-actuated pusher 20 is advantageously mounted to move inpivoting and in translation on the body 10. When moved from its restposition shown in particular in FIG. 6, to its working position shown inparticular in FIG. 7, the pusher 20 moves said actuator member 800axially so as to compress the spring 850.

The laterally-actuated pusher 20 advantageously includes a first bearingzone P1 for bearing against said actuator member 800, and a secondbearing zone P2 for bearing against the body 10.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first bearing zone P1 is apivot point, and the second bearing zone P2 is a surface for radialsliding. While the pusher 20 is being actuated, the pivot point P1slides axially downwards relative to the body 10, while the contactpoint in the zone P2 moves radially inwards relative to the body 10.

In this embodiment, the pusher 20 is thus movable both in pivoting andin translation. This makes it possible to reduce the force required fromthe user, while remaining compact. This reduction makes it possible toactuate the valve 200 with a force that is smaller than the force thatwould be required if the user had to press axially on the bottom of thereservoir 100. In particular, in the embodiment shown, and as can beseen clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, the force required to actuate the valve200 axially is typically in the range 40 newtons (N) to 45 N (dependingon the stiffness of the spring 850), while the force required to actuatethe laterally-actuated pusher 20 is only about 15 N. In this embodiment,the reduction is thus about a factor of three. It is possible toincrease this ratio further, in particular by acting on the shapes ofthe various parts.

While the user continues to press on said pusher, said spring 850 iscompressed and drives said reservoir 100 axially towards its actuatedposition.

After each actuation, when the user releases the pressure on the pusher20, which occurs naturally, said pusher returns automatically towardsits rest position under the effect of the spring 850. After the meteringvalve 200 has been actuated, this makes it possible to avoid the risk ofsaid metering valve remaining in its actuated position, which couldcause the valve chamber to fill with air and the following dose to beincomplete, or it could cause the valve to leak. This is one of theproblems that currently exist with devices that are currently on themarket.

The device includes a blocking element 500 that is movable and/ordeformable between a blocking position in which said metering valve 200cannot be actuated, and an actuation position in which said meteringvalve 200 can be actuated. In the rest position, said blocking element500 is in the blocking position, and it is the user inhaling through themouthpiece 400 that moves and/or deforms said blocking element 500towards its actuation position. In other words, so long as the user doesnot inhale, it is impossible to actuate the metering valve 200, and itis only when the user inhales that said metering valve 200 can beactuated, by moving the reservoir 100 axially in the body 10.

As described in greater detail below, the blocking element 500, in itsblocking position, prevents the reservoir 100 from moving axially in thebody 10. During inhaling, the blocking element 500 is moved and/ordeformed so that it no longer prevents the reservoir 100 from movingaxially in the body 10. Thus, after inhaling, such axial movement of thereservoir 100 causes the metering valve 200 to be actuated and a dose offluid to be dispensed, synchronously with the inhaling.

Thus, in the absence of inhaling, there is no risk of an active dose offluid being lost by accidental or incomplete actuation during which theuser does not inhale. Actuating the valve 200 and expelling a dose offluid are thus possible only when the user inhales and simultaneouslyactuates the actuator pusher 20. In a variant, it is also possible toenvisage that the user presses axially, directly on the bottom of thereservoir, or it is possible to use an automatic actuator system thatwould apply the axial pressure on the reservoir independently of theuser.

The device includes a trigger system that is controlled by the userinhaling, and that is for moving and/or deforming said blocking element500 from its blocking position towards its actuation position, when theuser inhales through the mouthpiece 400.

The trigger system includes an inhalation-sensitive member 60 that isdeformable and/or movable under the effect of inhaling, theinhalation-sensitive member 60 being adapted, when it is deformed and/ormoved, to make it possible to move and/or deform said blocking element500 from its blocking position towards its actuation position.

As described in greater detail below, the inhalation-sensitive membermay be made in the form of a deformable air chamber 60, e.g. a bellowsor a deformable pouch.

In this way, the inhalation-controlled trigger system is not situated inthe user's suction flow but is formed by a specific chamber, namely theair chamber 60. This differs from systems that operate by means of aflap that moves/deforms in the suction flow, in which systems, aftertriggering, the user sucks in the air that exists on each side of theflap. In this embodiment, the system operates under suction and the usersucks in only the small volume of air that was inside the air chamber 60before it deformed. In the invention, the system is thus much morestable and effective.

The blocking element 500 is advantageously mounted to pivot about anaxis B on the body 10, between a blocking position and an actuationposition. In the embodiment shown, said axis B may be formed byprojections that are provided on a bottom surface of the body 10, theblocking element 500 including complementary profiles 511 that areadapted to pivot on said projections. Other embodiments are alsopossible.

The blocking element 500 includes at least one, preferably two, blockingextensions 501, each of which co-operates in the blocking position witha respective axial projection 901 of said ring 900 that is secured tothe reservoir 100. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blocking element500.

When the blocking element 500 moves towards its actuation position, inparticular by pivoting about the axis B, each blocking extension 501moves out of contact with its respective axial projection 901. Inparticular, adjacent to each blocking extension 501, said blockingelement 500 includes an axial recess 502 in which the respective axialprojection 901 can slide axially, thereby enabling said reservoir 100 toslide axially in said body 10, causing the valve 200 to be actuated anda dose of fluid to be dispensed.

The blocking element 500 is held in its blocking position by a triggerelement 600. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the trigger element 600.The trigger element 600 is advantageously mounted to pivot about an axisC on the body 10, between a locking position in which it blocks saidblocking element 500 in its blocking position, and a release position inwhich it no longer blocks said blocking element 500.

Advantageously, the axes B and C are parallel.

The blocking element 500 and the trigger element 600 co-operate witheach other to define a latch. In particular, said trigger element 600includes a locking shoulder 610 that, in the locking position,co-operates with a locking projection 510 of the blocking element 500,preventing said blocking element 500 from pivoting out of its blockingposition. Thus, when said trigger element 600 is in its lockingposition, it prevents the blocking element 500 from moving towards itsactuation position, thereby preventing the reservoir 100 from movingaxially and the metering valve 200 from thus being actuated.

The blocking system of the present invention thus includes two stages: afirst stage formed by the latch between the blocking element 500 and thetrigger element 600, and a second stage formed by the blocking betweenthe blocking element 500 and the reservoir 100, via the ring 900.

The blocking system makes it possible to unlock a large force (typicallyabout 40 N to 45 N) by means of a small force generated by inhaling. Theblocking element 500 stops the reservoir 100 from moving in translationwhen it is subjected to a force F (e.g. of 45 N) by means of the userpressing on the actuator member 800, preferably via the actuator pusher20. The blocking element 500 interacts with the trigger element 600, andit is both blocked and released by said trigger element. The movement ofsaid trigger element 600 is controlled by inhaling.

The shape of the blocking system enables very large amplification(locked force/unlocked force), typically of about 100.

The blocking element 500 and the trigger element 600 preferably have twocontact points that are spaced apart:

-   -   a first contact point, formed by the latch defined between the        locking shoulder 610 and the projection 510, is advantageously        situated close to the pivot axis C of the trigger element 600;        and    -   a second contact point at a distance from the first contact        point, formed by the co-operation between a lateral projection        520 of the blocking element 500 and a bearing surface 620 of the        trigger element 600; advantageously, in the locking position,        the second contact point is at a distance from the axis C of the        trigger element 600 that is greater than the distance between        said axis C and the first contact point; advantageously, the        second contact point is the first contact that is broken while        actuating the device, when the user begins to inhale.

In the blocking position, the force F generated by the actuator member800 pressing axially on the hoop 950 that is secured to the reservoir100 is applied, via the axial projections 901 of the ring 900, to theblocking element 500 at the extensions 501, causing said blockingelement to pivot in a direction S1 that reinforces the closed positionof the latch and makes it stable. In particular, FIGS. 13 and 14 showthis blocking position.

The unlocking force generated by inhaling is applied to the triggerelement 600 by the deformable membrane 61, preferably at a point 630 ata distance from the pivot axis C; the unlocking force seeks to pivotsaid trigger element 600 in the direction S2 opposite to the directionS1, as shown in FIG. 15.

The torque to which the blocking element 500 is subjected is controlledby the distance between the axis along which the force F is applied tothe blocking extensions 501 of the blocking element, and the pivot axisB of said blocking element 500. It is desirable for the distance d to beas small as possible, in order for the torque to be as small aspossible. The distance d, shown in FIG. 13, is not zero, and is lessthan 2 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.

The torque to which the trigger element 600 is subjected is controlledby the distance between the axis conveying the force F′ to which thetrigger element 600 is subjected by the blocking element 500, and thepivot axis C of said trigger element 600. Once again, it is desirablefor the distance d′ to be as small as possible, in order for the torqueto be as small as possible. The distance d′, shown in FIG. 14, is notzero, and is less than 2 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferablyabout 0.25 mm.

By means of this latch force system, the force necessary to cause thetrigger element 600 to pivot is very small and may be generated by thedeformable membrane 61, that makes it possible to transform the suctiongenerated by inhaling into unlocking force.

Advantageously, the mouthpiece 400 includes an opening 410 that isconnected to the inside of the body 10. The opening 410 is closed atrest and at the start of inhaling by a check valve 420, so that theinhalation flow due to inhaling initially passes mainly to the triggersystem, in this embodiment the deformable air chamber 60. This makes itpossible to optimize such triggering by inhaling. When the blockingelement 500 moves towards its actuation position under the effect ofinhaling, and thus the reservoir 100 moves axially relative to the body10 so as to actuate the metering valve 200 in order to dispense a doseof fluid, said ring 900, that is secured to the reservoir 100, movessaid check valve 420 towards its open position. When said openings 410are thus opened, during actuation, air is drawn in, thereby making itpossible to increase the inhalation flow. This optimizes synchronizationbetween the user inhaling and dispensing the dose, and also promotesgood dispensing of the dose into the user's lungs.

Advantageously, the trigger element 600 may be accessible from theoutside of the body 10 and/or of the bottom body portion 10′. This makesit possible, if necessary, to move the trigger element 600 manually, soas to be able to actuate the metering valve 200 even without inhaling,e.g. when the person that needs to receive the dose of fluid isincapable of inhaling sufficiently. This is thus a safety measure.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the inhalation-sensitive member60 is made in the form of a deformable air chamber. Advantageously, theair chamber comprises a deformable membrane 61 that is connected firstlyto said bottom body portion 10′ and secondly to said trigger element600. Advantageously, as can be seen in the figures, the membrane 61 isin the form of a bellows and forms a substantially airtight chamber.Other forms are possible, in particular a mere pouch or diaphragm. A lugmay fasten said membrane 61 to an orifice or edge 630 of said triggerelement 600.

During inhaling, the deformable membrane 61 deforms and/or contractsunder the effect of the suction generated by inhaling, causing thetrigger element 600 to move from its locking position towards itsrelease position. This makes it possible to open the latch definedbetween the blocking element 500 and the trigger element 600, and thusto move said blocking element 500 from its blocking position towards itsactuation position.

The valve 200 is thus actuated only at the moment of inhaling, such thatthe dose of fluid is expelled out of the dispenser orificesimultaneously with inhaling.

Advantageously, the device includes a blocking member 980 that ismovable and/or deformable between a blocking position and a non-blockingposition. In its blocking position, the blocking member 980 co-operateswith the trigger element 600 so as to prevent it from moving towards itsrelease position. The laterally-actuated pusher 20 advantageouslyincludes a projection 29 that co-operates with said blocking member 980when said laterally-actuated pusher 20 is moved towards its workingposition. This moves and/or deforms said blocking member 980 towards itsnon-blocking position.

Thus, when the user inhales without having pressed axially on thereservoir 100, the latch is not unblocked, since the trigger element 600cannot pivot. Since the air chamber 60 is substantially airtight, andthe check valve 420 is closed in the opening 410, the user very quicklyrealizes that it is not possible to inhale correctly through themouthpiece, which reminds the user that it is necessary to actuate thepusher first before inhaling. When the user presses on the pusher 20,the blocking member 980 is moved into its non-blocking position.Inhaling thus causes the trigger element 600 to pivot, and thus causesthe device to be actuated, as explained above.

Advantageously, the blocking member 980 includes a resilient element(not shown), such as a torsion spring, that resiliently urges saidblocking member 980 towards its blocking position, so that when the userreleases the actuator pusher 20, said blocking member 980 returnsautomatically into its blocking position.

Advantageously, this also returns the trigger element 600 into itslocking position, e.g. via an appropriate flexible blade 981.

The blocking member 980 also advantageously includes a re-cockingextension 982 that co-operates with a re-cocking portion 582 of theblocking element 500, so that when the blocking member 980 returns intoits blocking position, it returns the blocking element 500 into itsblocking position.

When the user wishes to use the device, the user places the mouthpiece400 in the mouth, and exerts axial pressure manually on the actuatorpusher 20. The reservoir 100 is blocked and prevented from slidingaxially in the body 10 by the blocking extensions 501 of the blockingelement 500 that block the axial projections 901 of the ring 900axially. In parallel, the trigger element 600 is no longer blocked as aresult of the movement of the blocking member 980, as can be seen inparticular in FIGS. 6 and 7.

When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 400, the deformablemembrane 61 deforms, and this causes the trigger element 600 that isfastened to said deformable membrane 61 to pivot. The movement of thetrigger element 600 releases the latch formed between the lockingshoulder 610 of the trigger element 600 and the projection 510 of theblocking element 500, as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 17. Under the effectof the axial force F transmitted by the reservoir 100, the blockingelement 500 pivots enabling the reservoir 100 to slide axially in thebody 10 towards its dispensing position, and the valve 200 thus to beactuated. In parallel, the ring 900 opens the check valve 14. Thisdispensing position is shown in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21.

At the end of inhaling, when the user releases the pressure on thebottom of the reservoir 100, in particular by releasing the pressure onthe pusher 20, said reservoir 100 rises axially in the body 10 towardsits rest position under the effect of the return spring of the valve200, and the valve member 210 of the metering valve simultaneouslyreturns to its rest position, once again filling the valve chamber witha new dose of fluid. The trigger element 600 is returned into itsinitial position, in particular by the springiness of the membrane 61and/or the spring blade 981 of the blocking member 980. The blockingelement 500 returns into its blocking position, via the re-cockingextension 982 of the blocking member 980.

The device is thus ready for another utilization.

It should be observed that the device could include an electronic dosecounter, advantageously assembled in the body or in the pusher. Inparticular, the counter could detect the movements of the reservoir. Ina variant, the counter could be connected to a sensor, in particular amembrane sensor, that detects the dose of fluid being dispensed, e.g. inthe valve well. Such an electronic counter could be actuated in otherways, e.g. by detecting the movement of the valve member of the meteringvalve relative to the valve body.

The device could thus also include signal-transmitter means forcommunicating, in particular communicating remotely, informationrelating to the actuations of the device. In particular, the body and/orthe pusher could include a signal-transmitter module, for communicatingremotely with any base. Appropriate power supply means couldadvantageously be provided.

In particular, the electronic module could advantageously comprise acard that includes an electrical switch that sends a pulse. The modulecould also comprise a display and/or use a Bluetooth or Wifi connectionfor sending information to an accompanying peripheral. Appropriatesensors, such as flowrate and/or pressure sensors, could be provided fordetecting various parameters of the inhalation flow.

The switch could be actuated by means of the movement of the blockingelement.

Associated with a dose counter that counts each dose that is actuallydispensed, and with the inhalation-synchronized device of the invention,the signal-transmitter means make it possible for each dose that hasbeen dispensed to be transmitted in completely reliable manner, e.g. toa doctor or to any other person wishing to monitor the use of theinhaler device by the user. The inhalation-synchronized deviceguarantees that the user inhales each time the user actuates the device,and the counter records each dose that is dispensed, together withvarious associated parameters, such as a timestamp for each dispensing.In this way, the doctor can know very accurately the conditions of useof the device by the user.

The present invention applies, in particular, to treating asthma attacksor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by using formulationsof the following types: salbutamol, aclidinium, formoterol, tiotropium,budesonide, fluticasone, indacaterol, glycopyrronium, salmeterol,umeclidinium bromide, vilanterol, olodaterol, or striverdi, or anycombination of these formulations.

The present invention is described above with reference to advantageousembodiments and variants, but naturally any modification could beapplied thereto by a person skilled in the art, without going beyond theambit of the present invention, as defined by the accompanying claims.

1. An inhalation-synchronized fluid dispenser device comprising a bodyprovided with a mouthpiece, a fluid reservoir containing a fluid and apropellant gas being mounted to slide axially relative to said body, ametering valve including a valve member being assembled by means of afastener element, such as a crimping cap, on said reservoir forselectively dispensing the fluid, said device further comprising: ablocking element that pivots about a pivot axis B between a blockingposition in which said metering valve cannot be actuated, and anactuation position in which said metering valve can be actuated; atrigger element that pivots about a pivot axis C between a lockingposition in which it blocks said blocking element in its blockingposition, and a release position in which it does not block saidblocking element; and an inhalation-controlled trigger system includingan inhalation-sensitive member that is deformable and/or movable underthe effect of inhaling, said inhalation-sensitive member co operatingwith said trigger element, so that when said inhalation-sensitive memberis deformed and/or moved, it moves and/or deforms said trigger elementtowards its release position, thereby making it possible to move and/ordeform said blocking element from its blocking position towards itsactuation position; said device being characterized in that it comprisesan actuator member that is mounted to move axially, in particular insliding, in said body between a rest position and a primed position, aspring being arranged between said actuator member and said reservoir oran element that is secured to said reservoir, so that when said actuatormember moves towards its primed position, said spring is compressed, soas to transmit an axial force (F) to said reservoir, said axial force(F) extending along an axis Y that is perpendicular to said pivot axis Bof said blocking element, said axis Y being spaced apart from said pivotaxis B by a distance d that is not zero, said distance d being less than2.5 mm, advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.
 2. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein a ring is fastened, in particularsnap-fastened, around said fastener element, said ring including anaxial projection that co-operates with said blocking element, such thatin the blocking position of said blocking element, said axial projectionof said ring co operates with an axial blocking extension of saidblocking element, thereby preventing said reservoir from moving axially,and in the actuation position of said blocking element, said axialprojection of said ring co operates with an axial recess of saidblocking element thereby enabling said reservoir to move axially.
 3. Adevice according to claim 2, wherein, in the blocking position of saidblocking element, said axial projection of said ring urges said blockingelement towards its actuation position.
 4. A device according to claim2, wherein said hoop (950) is engaged around said ring (900).
 5. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said blocking element includes alocking projection that, in the locking position of the trigger element,co-operates with a locking shoulder of said trigger element so as todefine a latch that prevents said blocking element from moving and/ordeforming out of its blocking position.
 6. A device according to claim5, wherein in the blocking position, the force exerted by said lockingprojection of said blocking element on said locking shoulder of saidtrigger element extends along an axis Z that is perpendicular to saidpivot axis C of said trigger element.
 7. A device according to claim 6,wherein said axis Z is spaced apart from said pivot axis C by a distanced′ that is not zero, said distance d′ being less than 2 mm,advantageously less than 1 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein in the locking position of the triggerelement, said latch forms a first contact point between said blockingelement and said trigger element, said blocking element including abearing projection that, in the locking position of the trigger element,co-operates with a bearing surface of said trigger element so as toform, in the locking position of the trigger element, a second contactpoint between said blocking element and said trigger element, saidsecond contact point being, in the locking position of the triggerelement, at a distance from said axis C of the trigger element that isgreater than the distance between said axis C and said first contactpoint.
 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein a laterally-actuatedpusher is mounted to move in pivoting and in translation on said bodybetween a rest position and a working position, movement of saidlaterally-actuated pusher towards its working position moving saidactuator member axially towards its primed position.
 10. A deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein said laterally-actuated pusher includes afirst bearing zone (P1) for bearing against said actuator member, and asecond bearing zone (P2) for bearing against the body.
 11. A deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein said first bearing zone (P1) is a pivotpoint, and said second bearing zone (P2) is a surface for radialsliding.
 12. A device according to claim 9, including a blocking memberthat is movable and/or deformable between a blocking position and anon-blocking position, said blocking member, in its blocking position,co-operating with said trigger element so as to prevent it from movingtowards its release position, said laterally-actuated pusher including aprojection that co-operates with said blocking member when saidlaterally-actuated pusher is moved towards its working position, so asto move and/or deform said blocking member towards its non-blockingposition.
 13. A device according to claim 1, wherein saidinhalation-sensitive member includes a deformable membrane that definesa deformable air chamber, said deformable membrane being fastened tosaid trigger element, said deformable membrane being deformed duringinhaling, so that it moves said trigger element from its lockingposition towards its release position.
 14. A device according to claim1, wherein said mouthpiece includes an opening that is connected to theinside of the body, said opening being closed at the start of inhalingby a check valve, such that the inhalation flow due to inhalinginitially passes mainly to the trigger system.
 15. A device according toclaim 14, wherein said check valve is opened when said ring movesaxially together with said reservoir.